McDonald, 25, is making his second start with the Pirates since being acquired from the Dodgers in a deadline trade for reliever Octavio Dotel. In his Pittsburgh debut last Thursday against the Rockies, McDonald struck out eight in six scoreless innings — becoming the first starting pitcher since 1907 to strike out eight in at least six scoreless innings in his first game with the Pirates. McDonald was the Dodgers’ Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2007 and 2008. He was 0-0 with a 7.71 ERA in four appearances (one start) against the Padres as a Dodger.

Padres RHP Kevin Correia (8-7, 4.81 ERA in 21 starts).

Correia is 3-1 with a 3.04 ERA over his past four starts after going 1-2 with a 6.80 ERA over his eight previous starts. Included in the recent run is a win over the Pirates in Pittsburgh on July 23 and 5 2/3 scoreless innings against the Dodgers last Thursday night at Dodger Stadium. Correia is only 4-5 at Petco Park this season with a 4.52 ERA in 12 starts. Opposing hitters are batting .264 against Correia.